Castor Says She Brought Home Millions to the Tampa Area in 2017

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said she worked to obtain more than $1.2 million for veterans, seniors, and families and almost $200 million in federal grants.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said she worked to obtain over $1.2 million for veterans, seniors, and families across the Tampa Bay area in 2017.

“Tampa area families count on me and my constituent service team to be their advocate and cut through red tape regarding Social Security, IRS, passports, immigration, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, military matters and more. I am here to help,” Castor said.

Most of the $1.2 million in federal benefits recovered by Castor and her team were owed to local veterans. Hillsborough County is home to one of the largest military and veterans communities in the country. Hillsborough has more than 98,000 veterans, the highest veteran population in Florida according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Castor held two 50th Vietnam War Veterans Commemorations to honor the service of local members of the Armed Forces for their service during the Vietnam War as part of an ongoing national effort to honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Castor said she looks forward honoring more of our Vietnam War era veterans at future ceremonies in 2018. More information on U.S. Rep. Castor’s 50th Vietnam War Veterans Commemorations can be found at Castor.House.gov.

Castor said she also worked to secure almost $200 million in federal grants this year to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and bolster the important work of local partners.

Among the federals grants won this year are nearly $5 million to the University of South Florida to support 2018 enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace; $1.6 million to Moffitt Cancer Center in partnership with the Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico, for interdisciplinary cancer research; $780,800 to strengthen Tampa’s economy by creating permanent jobs in East Tampa; and grants to numerous social programs including $1.1 million for youth programs in disadvantaged communities.

This year, Castor also held a Tech Training and Jobs InfoSession where many of her neighbors could connect with numerous local organizations that offer technical and vocational training programs and opportunities to help workers land our region’s higher-paying jobs.

“I intend to be just as determined in 2018 to stand up for our community and fight for the benefits veterans and others have earned. My hard-working neighbors and students are my top priority,” Castor said.

Casto represents Florida’s 14th Congressional District, which includes a portion of Hillsborough County. Residents in the 14th District can contact her Tampa office at (813) 871-2817 or gp tp Castor.house.gov for help.